https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us matti@agproud.com “When it comes to genetic selection for fertility, it’s not easy. It is quite slow compared to more straightforward traits like milk production or fat or protein content. This is a complex thing,” said Christine Baes at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar. “When it comes to genetic selection for fertility, it’s not easy. It is quite slow compared to more straightforward traits like milk production or fat or protein content. This is a complex thing,” said Christine Baes at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63309 Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63309-redefining-fertility-traits-are-we-using-the-best-tools-available hsweett@lactanet.ca Genetics provide a strong foundation for positioning herds to benefit from evolving milk pricing structures. While fat and protein have both shown gains of the past 30 years, the growing gap between them highlights the need for greater emphasis on protein in selection and breeding decisions. Genetics provide a strong foundation for positioning herds to benefit from evolving milk pricing structures. While fat and protein have both shown gains of the past 30 years, the growing gap between them highlights the need for greater emphasis on protein in selection and breeding decisions.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63073 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63073-the-role-of-genetics-in-meeting-evolving-market-demands 63073-sweett-1.jpg More than 120 producers and industry stakeholders sat in on Lactanet’s first open industry session of 2026 to learn of the organization’s directions relating to genetics and evaluations. Five presentations provided updates and research highlights geared to streamlining reporting processes and identifying quality- and trait-related trends within the industry. More than 120 producers and industry stakeholders sat in on Lactanet’s first open industry session of 2026 to learn of the organization’s directions relating to genetics and evaluations. Five presentations provided updates and research highlights geared to streamlining reporting processes and identifying quality- and trait-related trends within the industry.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63097 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:37:48 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63097-progressive-events-lactanet-addresses-changes-for-2026-at-february-open-industry-session Reproductive efficiency is critical for the profitability of dairy herds. It is as simple as cows need to calve to produce milk. However, having consistent and high pregnancy rates continues to be a challenge. Reproductive efficiency is critical for the profitability of dairy herds. It is as simple as cows need to calve to produce milk. However, having consistent and high pregnancy rates continues to be a challenge.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62816 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62816-improving-dairy-herd-fertility-genomics-and-beyond 62816-wallace-dixon.jpg lkimble@selectsires.com With the ever-changing value of both replacement heifers and beef-on-dairy crosses at the front of many producers’ minds, optimizing inventory of both streams of calves has become a crucial element of producer strategy. Effectively managing the interplay of the two begins in the dry cow pens. With the ever-changing value of both replacement heifers and beef-on-dairy crosses at the front of many producers’ minds, optimizing inventory of both streams of calves has become a crucial element of producer strategy. Effectively managing the interplay of the two begins in the dry cow pens.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62634 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62634-from-days-to-dollars-how-beef-gestation-length-impacts-your-dairy 62634-Kimble-1.jpg matti@agproud.com Brian Van Doormaal has served the dairy industry for nearly 40 years. Following his retirement in December 2025, Progressive Dairy asked Van Doormaal a few questions about his career and future plans. Brian Van Doormaal has served the dairy industry for nearly 40 years. Following his retirement in December 2025, Progressive Dairy asked Van Doormaal a few questions about his career and future plans.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62676 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62676-3-open-minutes-with-recently-retired-lactanet-chief-services-officer-brian-van-doormaal 62676-mcbride-1.jpg sblez@verizon.net Proper planning and sound implementation are critical to making beef-on-dairy programs work, and the results can improve overall farm income and can complement the dairy operation as a whole. Proper planning and sound implementation are critical to making beef-on-dairy programs work, and the results can improve overall farm income and can complement the dairy operation as a whole.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62214 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62214-dairy-producers-guide-to-growing-finishing-beef-on-dairy-steers 62214-beefondairy-edgar.jpg matti@agproud.com Many of us in the dairy industry endure the late nights, early mornings, less-than-ideal weather circumstances, faulty equipment and other inconveniences for one reason – the love of cows. The same certainly could be said for Tim Shearer and Irene Vietinghoff of Lynmark Farms, who earned the third-ever Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society (CMSS) Master Breeder award in 2025. Many of us in the dairy industry endure the late nights, early mornings, less-than-ideal weather circumstances, faulty equipment and other inconveniences for one reason – the love of cows. The same certainly could be said for Tim Shearer and Irene Vietinghoff of Lynmark Farms, who earned the third-ever Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society (CMSS) Master Breeder award in 2025.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62003 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62003-for-the-love-of-cows-lynmark-farms 62003-mcbride-tim-irene.jpg hsweett@lactanet.ca As dairy producers seek to maximize both genetic progress and economic return, the strategic use of beef semen has become a common herd management strategy across North America. As dairy producers seek to maximize both genetic progress and economic return, the strategic use of beef semen has become a common herd management strategy across North America. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61855 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61855-beyond-the-calf-beef-on-dairy-and-the-management-of-transition-cows raegan.jacobsbell@transova.com Dairy farmers are no longer just milk producers – they are key players in the beef industry. With the right reproductive strategies, they can maximize the value of every calf born on their operation. Dairy farmers are no longer just milk producers – they are key players in the beef industry. With the right reproductive strategies, they can maximize the value of every calf born on their operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61443 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61443-adding-value-to-your-dairy-operation-with-reproductive-technologies 61443-feldner-1.jpg jlutz@genex.coop With fertility rates on the rise and data guiding every decision, beef-on-dairy matings – especially with composite sires – are helping dairies optimize both efficiency and profitability. With fertility rates on the rise and data guiding every decision, beef-on-dairy matings – especially with composite sires – are helping dairies optimize both efficiency and profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61455 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61455-why-pick-one-when-you-can-have-them-all-using-composite-breeds 61455-lutz-stabilizer-img2.jpg shari.vandepol@cattleytics.com Using the best tools available to get the most out of your breeding program is key – and we know that artificial intelligence (AI) is helping us make smarter, more data-driven decisions that ultimately improve the health, fertility and productivity of our herds. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the things to come, and things that groups like ours are working on now. Using the best tools available to get the most out of your breeding program is key – and we know that artificial intelligence (AI) is helping us make smarter, more data-driven decisions that ultimately improve the health, fertility and productivity of our herds. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the things to come, and things that groups like ours are working on now.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61372 Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61372-ai-for-ai-6-ai-based-benefits-for-breeding-programs ivandenberg@genex.coop Would you ever consider planting a field in 2025 without consulting an agronomist, soil sampling, yield mapping, GPS and various other methods to ensure a successful harvest? These practices in plant agriculture are a no-brainer, so how can we apply the same methodology to dairy genetics? Would you ever consider planting a field in 2025 without consulting an agronomist, soil sampling, yield mapping, GPS and various other methods to ensure a successful harvest? These practices in plant agriculture are a no-brainer, so how can we apply the same methodology to dairy genetics?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60907 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60907-defining-precision-dairy-genetics-in-2025 ongentherschroeder@landolakes.com As cattle producers explore avenues for boosting productivity, the spotlight often shines on genetics. For crossbred beef-on-dairy calves, maximizing genetic potential goes beyond selecting the right genes – it is also about creating the right environment to allow those genes to fully express. As cattle producers explore avenues for boosting productivity, the spotlight often shines on genetics. For crossbred beef-on-dairy calves, maximizing genetic potential goes beyond selecting the right genes – it is also about creating the right environment to allow those genes to fully express.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60696 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60696-making-the-most-of-your-beef-on-dairy-genetics-with-proper-nutrition 60696-genther-schroeder-calf.jpg devries@ufl.edu Which traits make an efficient dairy cow? To answer that question, it is useful to carefully think about what a very efficient dairy cow looks like. One definition of an efficient dairy cow is cow that maximizes milk production while maintaining good health and fertility, thereby optimizing profitability for the producer. Which traits make an efficient dairy cow? To answer that question, it is useful to carefully think about what a very efficient dairy cow looks like. One definition of an efficient dairy cow is cow that maximizes milk production while maintaining good health and fertility, thereby optimizing profitability for the producer.  

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60792 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60792-which-traits-make-an-efficient-dairy-cow 60792-devries-cow-dixon.jpg matti@agproud.com “Today we have a third of the number of cows we had in 1960, and we’re producing more milk,” said Christine Baes of the University of Guelph during her keynote presentation at the 2024 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council annual meeting. “That’s a pretty good sustainability story, but when you Google ‘sustainability and dairy cows,’ you see headlines about cow flatulence. Why is that?” “Today we have a third of the number of cows we had in 1960, and we’re producing more milk,” said Christine Baes of the University of Guelph during her keynote presentation at the 2024 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council annual meeting. “That’s a pretty good sustainability story, but when you Google ‘sustainability and dairy cows,’ you see headlines about cow flatulence. Why is that?”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60695 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60695-changing-headlines-effort-by-canadian-dairy-industry-to-create-resilient-cows 60695-mcbride-5926-2.jpg lora@agproud.com The 102nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair that took place Nov. 1-10 did not disappoint. Showcasing some of the best of the best dairy cattle in North America, three dairy breed associations took to the main stage for dairy enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate in downtown Toronto, Ontario. The 102nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair that took place Nov. 1-10 did not disappoint. Showcasing some of the best of the best dairy cattle in North America, three dairy breed associations took to the main stage for dairy enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60719 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60719-progressive-events-highlights-from-the-102nd-royal-agricultural-winter-fair 60719-bender-holstein.jpg philip.bachman@peakgenetics.com Long before function and performance were the main drivers of genetic selection, form (better known as “conformation”) was the driving method of genetic analysis. However, less than 1% of cows today leave the herd for udder problems or undesirable conformation. As the evolution toward function rather than form continues, what role should udders play in modern dairy selection criteria? Long before function and performance were the main drivers of genetic selection, form (better known as “conformation”) was the driving method of genetic analysis. However, less than 1% of cows today leave the herd for udder problems or undesirable conformation. As the evolution toward function rather than form continues, what role should udders play in modern dairy selection criteria?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60517 Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60517-modern-udders-what-does-ideal-look-like matti@agproud.com As with any legacy, it started with one cow. After the purchase of Fernhame PBL Penelope, Don and Wendy Chalack would soon acquire a dairy and buy 25 more cows, developing a business that would produce more than a dozen All-Canadian and All-American nominees, acquire three Master Breeder shields and become a household name in the North American registered dairy cattle industry. As with any legacy, it started with one cow. After the purchase of Fernhame PBL Penelope, Don and Wendy Chalack would soon acquire a dairy and buy 25 more cows, developing a business that would produce more than a dozen All-Canadian and All-American nominees, acquire three Master Breeder shields and become a household name in the North American registered dairy cattle industry.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60409 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60409-daily-dedication-leads-to-excellence-at-wendon-holsteins 60409-mcbride-2689.jpg john@cow-corner.co The best robot cows combine four factors – milk production, milkability, milking speed and trips to the robot. Each of these factors can be measured, and the measurements can be combined to rank the best robot cows. The best robot cows combine four factors – milk production, milkability, milking speed and trips to the robot. Each of these factors can be measured, and the measurements can be combined to rank the best robot cows.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60278 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60278-using-a-custom-index-to-select-your-best-robot-cows 60278-gerbitz-1.jpg amadurei@uoguelph.ca As global demand for dairy products continues to rise, the pressure to produce high-yielding cows has been increasing. However, this pursuit often brings with it a significant challenge: the historical trade-off between high milk production and reproductive efficiency. As global demand for dairy products continues to rise, the pressure to produce high-yielding cows has been increasing. However, this pursuit often brings with it a significant challenge: the historical trade-off between high milk production and reproductive efficiency.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60172 Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60172-optimizing-dairy-cattle-genetics-can-we-breed-for-cows-with-high-milk-yield-and-good-fertility ksmith@selectsires.com With the growing trend of using beef semen in dairy herds to produce high-value beef-on-dairy calves, the industry faces unique challenges and opportunities. There is a critical need for internal herd expansion as dairy replacements become scarce. With the growing trend of using beef semen in dairy herds to produce high-value beef-on-dairy calves, the industry faces unique challenges and opportunities. There is a critical need for internal herd expansion as dairy replacements become scarce.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59911 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59911-planning-for-reproductive-success-five-strategies-to-carry-in-your-toolbox 59911-smith-DSC00167.jpg lschirm@wwsires.com The question is: How much should the linear selection factor be used to identify the mothers of your replacement females? In other words, how one uses or doesn’t use linear type traits will influence the females you identify as having the genetics you wish to propagate. The question is: How much should the linear selection factor be used to identify the mothers of your replacement females? In other words, how one uses or doesn’t use linear type traits will influence the females you identify as having the genetics you wish to propagate.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59888 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59888-a-different-perspective-on-linear-selection Glenn and Ashley Beckett, owners and operators of Beckridge Holsteins, share the five indispensable components they rely on for their success in and out of the barn. Glenn and Ashley Beckett, owners and operators of Beckridge Holsteins, share the five indispensable components they rely on for their success in and out of the barn. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59740 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59740-5-things-we-cant-do-without-with-glenn-and-ashley-beckett-of-beckridge-holsteins 59740-ohirko-1.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com Explore how fluctuations in daily milk yield can indicate disease resilience in Holstein cattle, potentially transforming breeding practices for better health and productivity. Explore how fluctuations in daily milk yield can indicate disease resilience in Holstein cattle, potentially transforming breeding practices for better health and productivity. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59762 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59762-research-review-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-health-traits-and-adaptations-of-immune-function-in-calves ca-fr-social-35.jpg dmeihak@lely.com The purpose of this article is to identify the traits that make an ideal robot cow. I would like to shift it to a call out to industry: Let’s define the personality traits that impact feeding and milking behaviors in robot herds. The purpose of this article is to identify the traits that make an ideal robot cow. I would like to shift it to a call out to industry: Let’s define the personality traits that impact feeding and milking behaviors in robot herds.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59694 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59694-breeding-for-the-ideal-milking-robot-cow matti@agproud.com What do speedskating and dairy farming have in common besides ice (insert Alberta winters) and hard work? One Holstein breeder: Rolf Van Benthem. What do speedskating and dairy farming have in common besides ice (insert Alberta winters) and hard work? One Holstein breeder: Rolf Van Benthem.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59617 Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59617-commitment-to-the-canadian-cow-van-benthem-dairy 59617-mcbride-benthem-1.jpg adrianne.trennepohl@genusplc.com Every cow you create might not be right for your market. To withstand market ebbs and flows, you need to create cows that meet the needs of your operation. Every cow you create might not be right for your market. To withstand market ebbs and flows, you need to create cows that meet the needs of your operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59569 Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59569-creating-the-ideal-cow-for-your-herd 59569-trennepohl-cow.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com This article, from researchers from the University of Wisconsin, discusses a study that aimed to examine the genetics of milk yield consistency within and between lactations of U.S. Holstein cows. This article, from researchers from the University of Wisconsin, discusses a study that aimed to examine the genetics of milk yield consistency within and between lactations of U.S. Holstein cows.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59418 Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59418-research-review-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-heat-tolerance-and-the-genetics-of-lactation-consistency brittany.statzolson@gmail.com Klipp explained that, compared to their straight beef counterparts, beef-on-dairy calves are weaned early from a liquid milk diet and need a functional rumen to maintain growth and overall health. Klipp explained that, compared to their straight beef counterparts, beef-on-dairy calves are weaned early from a liquid milk diet and need a functional rumen to maintain growth and overall health.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59424 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59424-optimizing-rumen-development-through-starches-in-beef-on-dairy-calves 59424-olson-beef-dixon.jpg